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Recent Posts

Looking up Phinney Avenue with a five-story apartment building on the corner and another under construction just north.

Urbanists Push to Amend Seattle Growth Plan Ahead of Final Vote

Seattle’s long saga of passing its state-required, once-per-decade major update to its Comprehensive Plan is nearing its end. But first, one more public hearing will be held this Friday for residents to air their grievances or do their cheerleading. Here's our guide to the 106 amendments under consideration.
A rendering of a RapidRide bus arriving at a newly rebuilt bus stop with bus shelter and RapidRide pylon, with a median in the street adding trees and pedestrian safety. Riders wait under the shelter and two people use the cross walk, one walking a bike.

King County Council Unsnags RapidRide I Line After Property Disputes

After considering a broader slate of property condemnations to keep the RapidRide I Line on track for a 2027 opening, the council is poised to approve a compromise measure much narrower in scope.
Prem and young supporters pose with yellow campaign shirts and yard signs.

Op-Ed: Shilpa Prem Is the Best Choice for Kirkland Council

Kirkland Councilmember Penny Sweet makes the case for why Shilpa Prem should be her successor on Council. The Urbanist Elections Committee agreed and endorsed Prem, too.

Seattle Community Councils Push Against Restoring Neighborhood Growth Centers

Neighborhood groups are pushing back on additional density in Wallingford, West Seattle, and Queen Anne. An amendment from Alexis Mercedes Rinck to restore eight growth centers dropped from the One Seattle Comprehensive Plan at an earlier stage is front-and-center.

While Seattle Population Spikes, Car Population Stalls Out

Seattle's human population is growing fast, but its car population has stalled out. Between 2017 and 2023, Seattle added 35,000 households and about 80,000 residents, but just 3,300 cars, new Census data has revealed -- in news that is music to urbanist ears.
A crossword puzzle with The Urbanist written in for one of the answers.

Quiz Your Knowledge with The Urbanist Crossword Puzzle for September 7

Take the 11th installment of The Urbanist's crossword series, which runs every two weeks. If you love to take a contemplative moment with a brain-teasing puzzle, but you’re tired of nationally syndicated crosswords with no local flair or stance on high-capacity transit, you’re right where you need to be.

The Seattle Waterfront Park Amenities That Never Crossed the Finish Line

While the primary debate over the remade Seattle waterfront has focused on the size of Alaskan Way, a whole slate of potential public space improvements also ended up on the cutting room floor. Those include a festival pier, a pool barge, and a pedestrian street.
Officials stand on the steps of Seattle's US Courthouse after the consent decree hearing.

Federal Judge Ends Consent Decree Oversight of Seattle Police Department

On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge James Robart granted the motion to terminate Seattle’s consent decree, ending a saga of federal police oversight that began 15 years ago. Community safety advocates say issues remain at the Seattle Police Department and more reforms are needed.